Kumar of the "Harold and Kumar" film franchise has abandoned his acting career for a few years while he serves his country.
(FILE) A file picture dated 17 April 2008 shows US actor and cast member Kal Penn arriving for the 'Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay' film premiere in Los Angeles, USA. The actor who had a recurring role on Fox's television series 'House' left the show to join the White House staff as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison, according to media reports, 08 April 2009. EPA/PAUL BUCK
For shocked fans, actor Kal Penn was abruptly written out (via his character's suicide) of the hit FOX series, "House."
Penn will continue his public service; initially volunteering for presidential candidate Obama, and now he will be one of President Obama's staffers at the White House.
CNN reports that the 31-year-old actor was spotted at the Democratic convention wearing a vest, keeping a deliberate low profile.
Penn broke big as the weed-loving Kumar, a lethargic medical student who took a fanciful (read: stoned) adventure with his roommate Harold in search of Epicurean nirvana: The elusive White Castle Hamburger.
Now CNN reports that Penn will serve as associate director in the White House office of public liaison.
The actor will assist the Obama administration in the field of the arts as well as the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Penn told CNN he will "do outreach with the American public and with different organizations."
Penn's Dr. Kutner character shockingly committed suicide on Monday night's episode, of "House."
The actor also spoke at Obama's inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
Your Talkback on this Story